LAUSR

Lithium batteries are commonly used in mobile phones and electronic cigarettes. These devices can cause severe burns and blast injuries when a process caused thermal runaway causes the lithium battery to overheat, produce hydrogen gas and violently explode. Associated injuries frequently involve hands, thighs and the face. A lack of strict regulatory and quality assurance processes is a concern, particularly with a rapidly increasing number of low-cost devices in circulation. We report a case where the lithium battery within a toy magic wand exploded, resulting in the amputation of the thumb. A 37-year-old male patient presented to hospital after a magic wand toy that was designed to shoot fire out of its tip, exploded in the patient’s left hand whilst in use. Examination under anaesthesia revealed complete division of his index finger digital artery and nerve at the level of the proximal phalanx and contusion of structures distal to the division. The thumb showed a severe blast injury, with only bony fragments remaining of the distal phalanx. In theatre, repair of the radial digital nerve of the index finger was performed and the wound partially closed. The thumb was unsalvageable and required terminalisation at the interphalangeal joint. This case highlights the dangers associated with lithium batteries, particularly when manufactured cheaply and without adequate quality assurance processes. Similar batteries are present in vapes and many other household items, and awareness of proper disposal processes and improved regulation may help prevent future injuries.